10 Creative Tablescape Ideas: Dreamy Book Club Styling Guide

Whether you’re hosting a classic literary book club party or setting a formal dinner table, these 10 creative tablescape ideas will help you master book club styling for your next brunch. I’ve combined my love for vintage books, DIY projects, and thrift store finds to create a unique and interesting look perfect for any book lover’s gathering.

When I saw that this month’s Supper Club theme was Book Club Brunch, I immediately began pulling out old coffee table books and my favorite vintage finds. From a book-themed centerpiece using milk glass vases and moss stems to unique place settings featuring vintage paper roses, there are so many textures to explore. Let’s take a tour of every detail of this dreamy tablescape!

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What Can You Use For a Book Club Themed Table?

Well, as you know, my first thought is old books. Since I collect books, this was an easy way to plan my table.

In addition, speaking of old books, I have several that have seen better days.

Making a vintage page table runner using the pages was one idea.

Then I thought about making vintage paper roses as place cards. The paper roses could be made from damaged books, also.

Other Ideas for a Book Club Table

• Set the table based on a Book Club’s recent read. – Use items related to the actual book or time period.
• Use book question cards at the place settings for book discussion.
• Have the menu reflect the time period of a recent book club read.
• Have each guest bring their favorite book.
• Do a book club book exchange party.
• Or set each place setting based on each person’s favorite book.
• Also, have each place setting reflect a book and see who can guess what the book is.

Just get creative and have fun setting a book-themed table.

Brunch Table Setting

I’m loving all these ideas for a Book Club Brunch Table. The tablescape is filled with thought-provoking decor, unique in character, that you don’t usually see in a tablescape.

The brunch table setting begins with the unique choice of old coffee table books used as placemats for each place setting. With a collection of older books I no longer display on my coffee table, I wasn’t worried about damage.

A folded napkin separates the book from the white plate charger, keeping the book open and protecting its pages.

I decided to use a set of Vintage silverware that I was lucky to find at Habitat for Humanity Restore. The set was almost 100% complete and was only ten cents a piece. The coffee-table-book size allows silverware to be placed on the open pages of the book.

I recommend larger books, such as these, so you have room for the plates and silverware. A smaller book might get lost under the place setting.

In keeping with the book theme, I added vintage English bowls and filled them with DIY Paper Roses made from old book pages. Under the vintage bowls, I used Casafina neutral dinnerware to complement the natural theme perfectly.

Book Page Paper Roses

I recently shared this tutorial on how to make paper roses. The paper flowers are constructed using vintage book pages from a damaged thrifted book.

They can be used for so many great projects and are appropriate for this themed table setting.

How To Use The Paper Roses on the Tablescape?

• Use a placecard at each place setting
• Give the roses to each guest after the party.
• Sprinkle them around the centerpiece or table runner for added charm.
• Attach roses to the light fixture above the table for a hanging centerpiece.
• Add a rose to a candlestick holder.

Since I plan to gift the roses to each guest, I decided not add names to the flowers, allowing them to use them at their home.

Old Book Page Table Runner

Instead of a traditional table runner, I cut some flower shapes from old book pages and scattered them on a white linen table runner; the book pages anchor the eclectic centerpiece items. You can use a pattern or just cut the shapes freehand for a whimsical design.

In addition, the table includes forever-burning taper and pillar candles scattered along the table center.

Book Club Brunch Centerpiece

The Book Club Brunch Centerpiece comprises an antique-footed breadboard filled with old books, vintage milk glass, brass candlestick holders, and moss stems.

I used two similar-shaped milk glass vases to hold a moss-covered sphere and unruly moss stems. Stacks of small vintage books help elevate smaller centerpiece decor pieces so they are not lost in the arrangement. Antique brass salt-and-pepper birds, vintage brass candlestick holders, small copper bowls, and butter pats combine for a fun and playful table centerpiece.

How to Add Warmth and Texture

When the tablescape features neutral tableware, it’s important to add warmth and texture to prevent the table from feeling one-dimensional.

Begin with a combination of brass and copper metals. The candlesticks are all vintage brass, and the small copper bowl is filled with moss decor. Using a blue printed saucer to hold a pillar candle and blue book covers adds warmth to the otherwise neutral tablescape.

More vintage pieces surround the table, adding texture and contributing to the neutral theme. First is an antique column topped with an old ironstone tureen filled with paperwhites.

My original art painting –  Faith art print, and a chippy church pew create a perfect backdrop behind the table.

The subtle moss-green stems add a whimsical touch to the table as they weave in and out around the vintage tableware.

Ways To Use Paper Roses After The Dinner Party

If you plan to keep your paper roses, check out these creative ways to decorate with them after the dinner party.

• Inspiring Ways To Decorate With Glass Cloches
• Book Page Decoupage Egg Ideas
• How To Make Paper Flowers from Book Pages
• Add Paper Roses To Valentine DIY Heart Wreaths

I hope you enjoyed today’s Book Club Brunch Themed whimsical table.

Creating a themed table enhances any gathering. Guests will marvel at the decor choices, and the table itself becomes part of the entertainment.

Don’t miss how we complete this Book Club-themed dinner with the Full Menu and Recipes.

Thanks for stopping by! Up next is Stacy’s Book Club Ideas for a Party. Be sure to click each link below for more Brunch Table Inspiration.

Stacy – Book Club Ideas for A Party / Michele – Easy Book Theme Brunch Tablescape

Jen – Simple Ideas for Hosting a Book Club Brunch / Nicolle – How To Host Book Club Exchange Brunch

Anne & AnnMarie –5 Ideas for a Book Club Gathering Tablescape / Rachel – Creative Book Club Brunch Table Setting

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